Zoa Energy has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new range of pre-workout powders. Available in three flavours – wild berry, fruit punch and cherry lime – Zoa+ Powder is touted as an advanced five-in-one formula pre-workout designed to enhance maximum performance and mental focus. It offers a blend of nitric oxide and training support, harnessing caffeine from green tea and green coffee beans, along with electrolytes. The powders, which are available to buy at GNC stores nationwide, deliver key pre-workout benefits, including enhancing physical performance, sustaining energy and focus, and providing essential hydration support. Kevin Maloberti, vice president of merchandising at GNC, said: "We are thrilled to add Zoa+ Powder to our elite portfolio of pre-workouts for consumers looking to start or uplevel their fitness routines. Knowing how important performance, focus and flavour are for the fitness enthusiast, Zoa+ Powder is an excellent addition to GNC's comprehensive inventory of pre-workouts as we continue to offer an uncompromising benchmark for innovative fitness standards and an unmatched approach to holistic wellness." Dave Rienzi, Zoa Energy's chief innovation officer, added: "In addition to each ingredient providing a functional benefit, Zoa+ Powder is NSF Certified for sport, an elite certification that very few fitness industry products can claim".

Trek One Capital has acquired Alter Eco Foods, a manufacturer of organic dark chocolate bars, truffles, granola and quinoa. Alter Eco distributes its products across the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company operates a fully carbon-neutral manufacturing process, and its product packaging is recyclable, including compostable truffle wrappers. Raw materials are responsibly sourced from eco-friendly farms that prioritise regenerative farming, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture and fair-trade practices, with the company's products certified organic. Alter Eco was founded 20 years ago to create a premium organic chocolate brand to support cacao farmers in South America. The company has seen growth over the years by increasing market share in the organic/natural grocery channel and expanding its chocolate products including its truffle thin bars in a variety of different flavours. Recently appointed CEO of Alter Eco, Keith Bearden, commented: "I look forward to my partnership with Trek One along with their support and commitment to take the Alter Eco premium brand of products to the next level". Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Trek One Capital has acquired Alter Eco Foods, a manufacturer of organic dark chocolate bars, truffles, granola and quinoa. Alter Eco distributes its products across the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company operates a fully carbon-neutral manufacturing process, and its product packaging is recyclable, including compostable truffle wrappers. Raw materials are responsibly sourced from eco-friendly farms that prioritise regenerative farming, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture and fair-trade practices, with the company's products certified organic. Alter Eco was founded 20 years ago to create a premium organic chocolate brand to support cacao farmers in South America. The company has seen growth over the years by increasing market share in the organic/natural grocery channel and expanding its chocolate products including its truffle thin bars in a variety of different flavours. Recently appointed CEO of Alter Eco, Keith Bearden, commented: "I look forward to my partnership with Trek One along with their support and commitment to take the Alter Eco premium brand of products to the next level". Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The French subsidiary of food giant Nestlé has entered into "exclusive negotiations" with private equity fund FnB for the potential sale of its baby food business, excluding infant formula. The move includes the brands sold both within France and internationally, along with the manufacturing facility located in Arches. FnB supports French and European small- and medium-sized companies and is led by a team of entrepreneurs from the agri-food sector. This potential deal is in line with Nestlé's strategy of growth for its NaturNes, Babicao and Babivanille brands, and for the P'tit franchises. It is said to reflect FnB's interest in the skills of the teams and the industrial and environmental performance of the Arches plant. According to Nestlé, the sale will "enable a further focus on infant formula". In addition, it will have no impact on employees and will "not change the company’s relationship with its customers, partners or local suppliers". Until the completion of the transaction, the baby food teams overseeing these activities in Issy-les-Moulineaux – where Nestlé France is headquartered – and in Arches will continue to operate fully as part of Nestlé Group. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the first half of the year.

Global wine brand 19 Crimes is entering the spirits category with the launch of its new spiced rum, now available in the UK. The 37.5% ABV 19 Crimes Spiced Rum contains tropical fruit flavours with aromas of mango and pineapple, combined with notes of caramel, molasses and vanilla. The flavour is sweet with upfront toffee, exotic fruit notes and a hint of cocoa. Notes of oak and sugarcane molasses round out the body with typical rum notes, finishing with a “long fruity finish” and hints of vanilla and spice. The Treasury Wine Estates-owned brand said that the launch aims to recruit new and younger consumers into the rum category. Its labelling has been designed in partnership with Tactic Studio, using augmented reality technology to bring to life the image of Mary Bryant, one of Australia’s most infamous convicts. Russell Kirkham, head of regional marketing EMEA at Treasury Premium Brands, commented: “19 Crimes is known for being a daring and rebellious brand that breaks the rules. After experimenting with barrel-aged wines with our 19 Crimes Uprising range, we wanted to push the boundaries even further – taking a bold leap and creating a 19 Crimes Spiced Rum was the next natural step for us as a brand.” 19 Crimes Spiced Rum is available at Tesco stores across the UK, with an RRP of £28 for 70cl.

Global wine brand 19 Crimes is entering the spirits category with the launch of its new spiced rum, now available in the UK. The 37.5% ABV 19 Crimes Spiced Rum contains tropical fruit flavours with aromas of mango and pineapple, combined with notes of caramel, molasses and vanilla. The flavour is sweet with upfront toffee, exotic fruit notes and a hint of cocoa. Notes of oak and sugarcane molasses round out the body with typical rum notes, finishing with a “long fruity finish” and hints of vanilla and spice. The Treasury Wine Estates-owned brand said that the launch aims to recruit new and younger consumers into the rum category. Its labelling has been designed in partnership with Tactic Studio, using augmented reality technology to bring to life the image of Mary Bryant, one of Australia’s most infamous convicts. Russell Kirkham, head of regional marketing EMEA at Treasury Premium Brands, commented: “19 Crimes is known for being a daring and rebellious brand that breaks the rules. After experimenting with barrel-aged wines with our 19 Crimes Uprising range, we wanted to push the boundaries even further – taking a bold leap and creating a 19 Crimes Spiced Rum was the next natural step for us as a brand.” 19 Crimes Spiced Rum is available at Tesco stores across the UK, with an RRP of £28 for 70cl.

Smurfit Kappa has announced plans to invest €54 million into its bag-in-box plant in Ibi, Alicante, Spain, doubling its capacity. The investment is set to boost the sustainability of the plant’s operations and its product portfolio, with “significant” savings in energy consumption and enhanced waste management systems. The plant in Ibi creates a range of products for such as wine, juice, liquid eggs, dairy and water. The packaging giant says that its Vitop Original tap is the most commonly used for bag-in-box wines and juices in the world and has a leak rate of less than one in 85 million since its launch. According to Smurfit Kappa, the site already has strong sustainability credentials, with a number of systems in place to identify and separate by-products. Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the bag-in-box division and forms part of our multi-country expansion plan. We have invested €90 million in the Ibi plant throughout the last decade which has significantly enhanced our offering. Our customers know that when they choose us, they will get everything they need for their product, invariably resulting in a beautifully designed bag-in-box with a reduced carbon footprint.” Pascual Martínez, GM of the Smurfit Kappa Ibi plant, added: “We are proud to be taking Ibi to the next level through this investment and creating a further 200 jobs for the local economy. We have a talented and very skilled team here that can solve even the most complex challenge. I am excited about embarking on the next chapter for Ibi.”

Smurfit Kappa has announced plans to invest €54 million into its bag-in-box plant in Ibi, Alicante, Spain, doubling its capacity. The investment is set to boost the sustainability of the plant’s operations and its product portfolio, with “significant” savings in energy consumption and enhanced waste management systems. The plant in Ibi creates a range of products for such as wine, juice, liquid eggs, dairy and water. The packaging giant says that its Vitop Original tap is the most commonly used for bag-in-box wines and juices in the world and has a leak rate of less than one in 85 million since its launch. According to Smurfit Kappa, the site already has strong sustainability credentials, with a number of systems in place to identify and separate by-products. Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the bag-in-box division and forms part of our multi-country expansion plan. We have invested €90 million in the Ibi plant throughout the last decade which has significantly enhanced our offering. Our customers know that when they choose us, they will get everything they need for their product, invariably resulting in a beautifully designed bag-in-box with a reduced carbon footprint.” Pascual Martínez, GM of the Smurfit Kappa Ibi plant, added: “We are proud to be taking Ibi to the next level through this investment and creating a further 200 jobs for the local economy. We have a talented and very skilled team here that can solve even the most complex challenge. I am excited about embarking on the next chapter for Ibi.”

Tcho, a craft chocolate maker based in Berkeley, California, US, is introducing a limited-edition spicy nacho-inspired chocolate called Choco Natchos. Inspired by the iconic Mexican American dish, Nachos, this one-of-a-kind chocolate snack explores diverse flavour combinations using cocoa, specifically cocoa butter. The chocolate is crafted to offer a shareable experience, challenging traditional notions of what chocolate can be. It features layers of cheesiness, corn tortilla chips, salsa, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, oregano, smoked paprika, tomato, chives, and various spices, making it a distinctive treat. Tcho has been 100% plant-based since 2022 and is the originator of Tcho Source, a one-of-a-kind sourcing and educational partnership with farmers, co-operatives, and agronomists all over the world. The brand’s retail and foodservice lines are Certified Fair Trade, Certified Organic, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher. The limited-edition Choco Natcho packs are available online, each pack contains 15 seven-gram bars. You may also like to read: Cocoa-free chocolate start-ups announce funding success Divine to launch pudding-inspired dessert bars Oobli introduces low-sugar milk chocolate bars, expands dark chocolate line JJA Pack and Siemens team up on new chocolate factory

Tcho, a craft chocolate maker based in Berkeley, California, US, is introducing a limited-edition spicy nacho-inspired chocolate called Choco Natchos. Inspired by the iconic Mexican American dish, Nachos, this one-of-a-kind chocolate snack explores diverse flavour combinations using cocoa, specifically cocoa butter. The chocolate is crafted to offer a shareable experience, challenging traditional notions of what chocolate can be. It features layers of cheesiness, corn tortilla chips, salsa, jalapeño, garlic, red onion, cilantro, oregano, smoked paprika, tomato, chives, and various spices, making it a distinctive treat. Tcho has been 100% plant-based since 2022 and is the originator of Tcho Source, a one-of-a-kind sourcing and educational partnership with farmers, co-operatives, and agronomists all over the world. The brand’s retail and foodservice lines are Certified Fair Trade, Certified Organic, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher. The limited-edition Choco Natcho packs are available online, each pack contains 15 seven-gram bars. You may also like to read: Cocoa-free chocolate start-ups announce funding success Divine to launch pudding-inspired dessert bars Oobli introduces low-sugar milk chocolate bars, expands dark chocolate line JJA Pack and Siemens team up on new chocolate factory

Beam Suntory has added a new expression to its premium pre-mixed cocktail brand On The Rocks: Strawberry Daiquiri. On The Rocks offers a modern twist on the cocktail drink Strawberry Daiquiri, "blending premium ingredients for a refined cocktail experience ready-to-drink," said the company. Strawberry Daiquiri features a mix of strawberry, tart lime and Cruzan Rum to provide a "balanced" and "vibrant result". Krista Kiisk, marketing director of On The Rocks at Beam Suntory, said: "On The Rocks is a leader in the premium-plus bottled cocktail segment because of the dynamic and upscale drink experiences we have brought to consumers. The launch of our Strawberry Daiquiri builds on our success with the Classic Daiquiri Cocktail, further showcasing our commitment to taste, complexity and the craftsmanship you would find at an elevated cocktail bar, in a convenient RTD bottle." On The Rocks' Strawberry Daiquiri is available in 750ml, 375ml and 200ml PET bottles at 20% ABV nationwide.

AG Barr has appointed Euan Sutherland as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 May 2024. Sutherland will replace Roger White, who is stepping down from his role at the end of April 2024. However, he "will remain available until the end of July to support a smooth leadership transition as planned," said the company. Sutherland has held various leadership roles in his career, including CEO of The Co-op Group between 2013-2014. He has also held the role of cold drink general manager at Coca-Cola from 1995-1998, and worked at Mars from 1993-1995. Mark Allen, chair of AG Barr, commented: "It has been a great pleasure working with Roger, who has successfully led the business for over two decades and delivered significant value to shareholders, stakeholders and employees. We wish him well in the future." "On behalf of the board, I am delighted that Euan is joining AG Barr. He has substantial experience across several consumer-facing businesses and will be a strong addition to the board. He is well placed to lead AG Barr through the next exciting phase of its development and to ensure the continued long-term success of the business.”